Association ‘Sustainable Forests’ Announces Vacancy for Executive Director

2 September, 2025

Position Overview

The Executive Director of the Association “Sustainable Forests” serves as the official representative of FSC in Bulgaria and acts as the organization’s chief executive officer. He/she may act as project manager upon need.This role encompasses strategic leadership, operational oversight, and the advancement of the organization’s mission. The Executive Director leads initiatives and projects in close collaboration with stakeholders across the forestry sector, including public institutions, private enterprises, and NGOs. He/ she is responsible for maintaining and expanding FSC membership in Bulgaria, managing resources effectively, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Represent FSC in Bulgaria.
  • Lead the strategic growth and development of FSC in the country.
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to advance the organization’s mission and objectives.
  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set priorities, goals, and policies.
  • Monitor trends, opportunities, and risks affecting the organization.
  • Analyze and capitalize on growth opportunities for FSC in Bulgaria across relevant value chains.
  • Lead the development of a national strategy for FSC in Bulgaria in collaboration with the European regional team, aligned with the FSC Global Strategy.
  • Promote and support the growth of FSC membership in Bulgaria.

External Relations & Advocacy

  • Represent the organization in the community, with funders, partners, and the media.
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships to advance the mission.
  • Advocate for policies and practices aligned with organizational goals.
  • Provide guidance and support to key stakeholders of the FSC Scheme in Bulgaria.
  • Oversee the development of controlled wood risk assessments in Bulgaria and support their effective implementation by the forest industry.
  • Coordinate international membership engagement activities.
  • Work with existing and potential Promotional License Holders in Bulgaria.
  • Build relationships with key stakeholders, including certificate holders, government institutions, and NGOs.
  • Organize workshops, seminars, and events in cooperation with interested certificate holders and stakeholders.

Operational Management

  • Oversee daily operations, ensuring programs and services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
  • Lead staff recruitment, development, and performance management.
  • Maintain compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
  • Manages the staff

Financial Stewardship

  • Develop, monitor, and manage the annual budget.
  • Ensure sound fiscal management, including transparent reporting to the Board.
  • Lead fundraising initiatives, including grant writing, and corporate partnerships.

Board Relations

  • Serve as the primary liaison between staff and the Board of Directors.
  • Provide timely and accurate reports to enable informed decision-making.
  • Assist in the recruitment, training, and engagement of Board members.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Education and Training

  • University degree in forestry or an equivalent combination of education, vocational training, and relevant work experience.
  • Ongoing professional development in one or more of the following areas: forestry, facilitation, project management, communication, or stakeholder engagement.

Experience, Skills, and Attributes

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional, practical experience in forest management, forest-related activities, nature conservation, sustainable management of nature resources in Bulgaria.
  • Strong understanding of FSC’s programs, activities, policies, and standards.
  • Knowledge of commercial forest product value chain needs and market dynamics.
  • Solid grasp of integrity and credibility challenges within supply chains.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Service-oriented approach to work.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Proven ability to plan, prioritize, and organize tasks effectively.

Languages

  • Fluency in English (spoken and written).

Computer Skills

  • Proficiency with standard software packages (MS Office, Google Drive).

Communication Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Respectful and professional interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Active listening skills.
  • Experience engaging with the media.
  • Ability to facilitate interactive discussions.
  • Proven capacity to build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships.

Other Requirements

  • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multilingual, global team environment.
  • Commitment to FSC’s mission and values.
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse perspectives and approaches to issues relevant to the FSC program.
  • Ability to represent FSC with exemplary personal and professional integrity.
  • Driving license, active driver.
  • Ability to travel a lot in the country and abroad.

 

Remuneration is aligned with current NGO sector benchmarks and will reflect the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

 

For contact: : sustainableforestsbg@gmail.com, 0897033860